Grab and Keel

Where Do You Fit On The Political Scale Today? 

Some of us, who are older, have pretty clear views about what a Democrat, Republican, Liberal or Conservative might be. However, those of us who are younger, say the ones who became cognizant of politics in the Clinton era, or those who only know Bush, have can have decidedly different ideas of these political venues.

The Democratic Party is exhorting us to “Vote for Obama”. As in the past, many of us will affirm our constancy and vote the ticket. In spite our revulsion over what has happened to Senator Clinton, we will do it anyway, because we are Democrats. However, this year we are also being asked in a direct way to affirm another thing; the trancendency of muddled thinking.

Now let me say right here that if you already know what I’m talking about, don’t read the rest of my blog. Go directly to Peacocks and Lilies, instead. Read annebellep’s blogs, as they are wonderful.

1. Barry and the Neoprogressives: Bush 2.0

August 18, 2008 by annabellep

http://annabellep.wordpress.com/2008/08/18/obama-and-the-neoprogressives-bush-20/#comments

2. More on Neoprogressivism

August 18, 2008 by annabellep

http://annabellep.wordpress.com/2008/08/18/more-on-neoprogressivism/

For the rest of you I will say the trench lines between the various parties and political schools of thought have changed. Some of these trenches have turned into mud holes. We have forgotten, or become confused about our basic government processes. Some us, like my granddaughter, may be new to it. I had a discussion just recently with a “Born in America” friend in an antiques mall that I frequent. She was unaware of the delegate system. So below is a synopsis of our government method. The caveat I give you is that I am using Wikipedia as a reference. Comparison with a civics book published before the 80’s could be enlightening. So let’s start at the top:

Political Systems

Wikipedia says:

[A political system is a system of politics and government. It is usually compared to the law system, economic system, cultural system, and other social systems. It is different from them, and can be generally defined on a spectrum from left, i.e. communism, to the right, i.e. fascism. However, this is a very simplified view of a much more complex system of categories involving i.e. the view on who will have the authority, the view of religious questions and the government’s influence on its people and economy.]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_system

As you read down the list you will find that in fact, the United States is not a democracy. It is a republic, with a presidential system. (Although, I don’t believe we called it presidential in another era.) We are a constitutional republic, meaning that our leaders, for most part are elected. The FORM of our constitutional republic is that of a complex representative democracy. We generally have a primary in each state, Washington DC or protectorate. (Like Guam.) When we vote, we are actually voting for the number of delegates who will support our candidate. See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_primary.

In the general election, the same thing will happen, but the protectorates and the folks living Washington DC won’t get to vote. Maybe that doesn’t seem right, but that’s the way it currently is.  Voting rights are under debate for the DC area. It remains to be seen what will happen.

Political Parties

In Wikipedia, political parties are variously defined. Two descriptions below indicate how varied; Edmond Burkes, is lofty, full of citizenship, Anthony Downs is far more mercenary and all about control. See:

[In Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontent, published in 1770, Edmund Burke formulated the following definition of a political party: “an organized assembly of men, united for working together for the national interest, according to the particular principle they agreed upon.]

[For Anthony Downs, a political party is “a team of men seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining offices in a duly constituted election”]

“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_parties

Since this blog is mostly about Democrats, I have not included the other parties. You can find them elucidated in Wikipedia. 

Democratic Party (United States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States)

As you read about the Party you will find in lower right section something called. “Political Ideology”.  The Democratic Party is a live animal. Tensions exist in our pursuit of the desired “ideology”, and the different method of their pursuit is well exemplified in Burke and Downs. These are the sources of the Party schism we are experiencing today. Read them and see what you think about the various ideologies. 

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